The Voice of the Caribbean - Borinquen Health Care Center
Transcription
The Voice of the Caribbean - Borinquen Health Care Center
February - March 2015 Issue No. 38 President’s Note: Health Care Environment Will Florida seek expanded Medicaid? Your guess is as good as mine, however because of the national election and the Republicans controlling both the House of Representatives and Senate there may be, just maybe an opportunity for some compromise which could pave the way in Florida. As for the Marketplace (ACA) is concerned, over 1.3 million Floridians have signed up, the largest number of any state. At Borinquen Medical Centers, our navigators have been swamped everyday with individuals from the community interested in signing up. Again, remember after the February 15th cutoff date, individuals still may qualify for Marketplace Insurance. ~ Robert Linder, President/CEO THIS IS WHAT WE DO ~by Susan Alvarez with Claudia Polastri AND WHY WE DO IT On Friday, January 30th, Borinquen’s TOPWA and Healthy Start programs held its first Baby Shower of the year in our newly renovated employee lounge and it was a wonderful success! “We invited 45 moms and a guest and provided dinner, cake, and gifts for every mom there. We even raffled off a car seat!” said Claudia Polastri, Special Programs Coordinator, who oversees these programs. In order to better service our community, the Targeted Outreach for Pregnant Women Act (TOPWA) and Healthy Start programs organize these baby shower events as a way to provide valuable information to expectant moms. Borinquen’s special programs, OBGYN, Pediatric and Medicaid Eligibility departments joined forces to ensure that every soon-tobe mom is confident that she can make the right decisions when it comes to taking care of herself and caring for her new born baby. “We take this opportunity to provide the moms with resources that they may need throughout their pregnancy and beyond. We take the opportunity to introduce them to our Pediatric Department and we coordinate hospital tours, if needed, to prepare them for their delivery,” explains Dr. Deborah Gracia, Borinquen’s Chief Medical Officer. Milagros Sifonte, Pregnancy Liaison, and Bernard Guiteau, Eligibility Specialist, provided information on Medicaid for the moms and for their child once he/she is born. All moms were given a free voucher for their first Pediatric appointment and were provided with a handbook with all the information they need for them and their baby to be healthy and to continue their health care visits and guidance, which included hospital tours dates. The Healthy Start Care Coordinators also provided Childbirth Education in English, Spanish and Creole and answered the expectant moms’ questions. Barbara M. Kubilus, Chief Special Programs Officer for BMC, explains, “Baby showers are our way of promoting Borinquen’s comprehensive Maternal Health, Screening and Education programs and services, as well as an opportunity to show our appreciation to the pregnant women (and their families) for utilizing the healthcare and support services at Borinquen. The baby shower venue gives us the opportunity to showcase our pediatricians, obstetricians, nurses and our pregnancy liaison; Healthy Start and TOPWA services, which are inclusive of health screenings, childbirth classes, breastfeeding instruction, parenting classes and screening for additional ancillary services for the family; and the Health Exchange and Access Team, which assists our families evaluate which health coverage they may qualify and apply for.” Additional information on the TOPWA program: The Targeted Outreach for Pregnant Women Act (TOPWA) program was funded by the Legislature in 1998 to reach high-risk or HIV-infected pregnant women not receiving adequate prenatal care. The purpose of the program is to lower the number of babies born with prenatal drug exposure and HIV infection. TOPWA has been part of the Borinquen Family since October 2010 and we have since enrolled more than 1244 pregnant As we go to print … Measles Outbreak Renews Old Debate ~by Anna Smith An outbreak of the Measles virus has been spreading across the nation since the end of December, terrifying parents everywhere. It began at Disneyland in California where at least 40 visitors and workers contracted the nearly eradicated disease. The airborne virus is highly contagious and sometimes fatal, especially for infants that are too young to receive the Measles vaccine. Currently, there have been over 130 confirmed cases of Measles related to this current outbreak which has spread across 17 states and the District of Columbia since it began in December. The outbreak is believed by many to have been a result of an increasing trend known as “Anti-Vaxxers” in which parents refuse to vaccinate their children from potentially lifethreatening diseases due to concerns that the immunizations themselves are more harmful and more of a risk than the diseases they are combating. While most states allow exemptions from vaccinations on the basis of religion, California currently has the most lax laws regarding immunizations with many parents opting to forgo vaccines on “personal grounds.” It is not surprising that California also has the highest number of confirmed cases as well. To understand the full scope of this particular outbreak, it is important to first understand the disease, its history and the medical practices that have been created to control it. Measles is an airborne virus that begins with a fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, red eyes and rashes that develop first on the face and then spread across the entire body. The illness is painful and sometimes fatal. Those who are exposed to Measles must be isolated for the entire 21 day incubation period that the disease has in order to ensure that they do not further spread the virus which is at its most contagious from 4 days prior to diagnoses to the 4 days following the initial contraction. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Measles was declared a notifiable disease in the United States in the early 1900s, with an average of 6,000 individuals dying from the disease each year. Before a vaccine was developed in 1963, an estimated 3 – 4 million individuals would develop Measles, mostly before the age of 15, with an estimated 48,000 hospitalizations, 4,000 cases of the disease causing brain swelling and 400-500 succumbing to the virus each year. Following the development of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine >>p 6 President’s Note and Cover Story: Page 1 Community News: ................. Page 2 & 3 Awareness: ............................ Pages 5 & 7 Around the Corner & Arts: ......... Page 9 Sports, Job Openings, World Recipe and Horoscopes: .................................. Page 13 Kids, Calendar & Did you know?:Page 15 Monthly Heroes: .......................... Page 16 BORINQUEN MEDICAL CENTERS OF MIAMI-DADE 3601 Federal Highway Miami, Florida 33137 www.borinquenhealth.org Ph: (305) 576-6611 * Fax: (786) 476-2819 >>p 14 Editors & Designers: Anna Smith & Susan Alvarez Staff Photographer:……. Susan Alvarez Contributors:…. Robert E. Linder, CEO Angel Camacho, Teresa Mazard Diaz, Silvana Vasquez, Sam Kedem, Claudia Polastri, Deyna Desire-Jeanty Where Is Your Teenager After School? ~by Sam Kedem, LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Substance Abuse Counselor) Where Is Your Teenager After School? Has your teenager ever been pressured for sex? Even if your teen was not physically forced to have sex, odds are she (or he) was part of an abusive dating system that tried to force them to do something they did not want to do. A teenage boy might drive her to a crime-ridden neighborhood at night and threaten to throw her out of the car if she does not perform. The boy might threaten to go on social media and tell everyone “they did it” anyway. He might threaten - If you don’t have sex with me, I’ll date your friend who will. You might feel that your teens tell you everything. You believe your son or daughter does not suffer from low self-esteem, is not influenced by peer pressure, and is empowered with the ethics you have instilled. What is your teenager’s sexual attitude about what is right and wrong? If you do not know, you might be surprised to find out. If you are nervous about broaching this subject with your son or daughter, here are some issues to bring up, suggested by Dr. Asia Eaton and Dr. Dionne Stephens, from the Center for Women and Gender Studies at Florida International University. A cute guy wants to date you. He says, “I like to be honest up front. Occasionally I do fool around.” Your boyfriend respects the fact that you are a virgin; however he expects to receive other sexual favors as a compromise. Your boyfriend says, “I love you, but please don’t tell anyone.” Your friend learned your secret and put it on Facebook. Your boyfriend was so angry with you, he became physically aggressive. You’ve been dating a great looking, popular guy. He pays for you and your friends when you all go out. At the end of one night, he explains that he expects to get paid back – sexually. When you bring up one or all of these vignettes with your teenagers, find out their philosophy. Don’t express your opinion like it is right or wrong. Your teenagers may have endured one or all of these situations. 2 If not, one of their friends surely has. Listen to their decisions and the rationale behind their decisions. Listen without judgment, because their reaction to the vignette may not match your reaction. The important thing is that an open and honest dialogue has begun and you will learn your teen’s attitude on sex and help guide those attitudes. - Sam For more information, please contact: Sam Kedem, LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Substance Abuse Counselor) Behavioral Health Resource Center 100 NE 38th Street, #5 Miami FL 33137, Telephone: (305)576-1599 Changes in Managed Medicaid Plans Offered at Borinquen Medical Centers ~by Susan Alvarez and Anna Smith A message to our community and clients: Borinquen Medical Centers of Miami-Dade would like to keep you informed of the new changes in Managed Medicaid Application. For everyone that is Medicaid eligible, you should have received a letter in the mail advising you of making the transition into any one of the available Medicaid Plans in Miami-Dade County. Borinquen wants everyone to remember that we have contracts with ALL available plans, as do our providers! This even includes specialty plans, like those for clients that are HIV positive. Patients at Borinquen do not need to worry; they can still see their provider and receive services at any one of our locations across the County. If you have any questions, concerns or would like to speak with an expert, you can call our Patient Services Department at (786) 433-8840 to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members about any questions you may have. Borinquen Medical Centers look forward to continuing to provide the upmost quality of health care to all of our community and clients. We thank you for your patience and understanding while these changes are being made. Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) Program Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program For the MMA Standard Plans region 11: 1. Amerigroup 2. Coventry 3. Humana 4. Molina 5. Preferred Medical 6. Prestige 7. Simply 8. Staywell 9. Sunshine Health 10. United Health Care For the MMA Specialty Plans region 11: 1. Clear Health Alliance 2. Positive Health Care 3. Sunshine Health 4. Magellan Complete Care 5. Freedom Health Plan KUDOS TO BMC’S Communication Team! ~by Susan Alvarez Here at Borinquen Medical Centers of Miami-Dade (BMC), we place a high emphasis on Patient Care and Satisfaction. As we all know, visiting a doctor’s office can be nerve racking to say the least, so with that in mind, BMC implemented, with the help of the Studer Group, various trainings and workshops that are geared towards, helping decrease anxiety and improving patient satisfaction. That is also why every single employee is not just a highly trained expert in their field, but once employed with us, they are put through a series of various trainings and validations designed to help and provide them with the tools necessary so that they understand, how to interact with our patients in order to achieve the highest positive outcome for the patient. These trainings and workshops are ongoing and those staff members that show the most improvement during their training, validation and beyond are acknowledged and recognized. BMC would like to take this time to congratulated and acknowledge not just one or two team members from this Department, but the entire team from the Communication Center for their outstanding work in achieving the most positive outcomes and patient satisfaction! The Studer Group’s Coach, Cathy Grubbs. said, “This team exemplifies personality, caring and outstanding customer service!” Each team member was presented with a “Fire Starter” pin by Barbara M. Kubilus, BMC’s Chief Special Programs Officer, in a special ceremony on January 27th. The “Fire Starter” pin, according to the Studer Group, symbolizes a person who takes responsibility and is committed to helping change the culture of an organization. Borinquen would like to thank you, again, each and every one of you, Willene Dessalines, Champagne Argentin, Examine Telusdor, Santa Acosta, Gwendolyn Bennett-Russell, Barbara M. Kubilus, Victoria Bustamante, Renee Zuniga, and Sonia Herrera, (not pictured, Chalande Guillaume, Carmen Ramos and Johanna Leiva) for your part in helping us achieve our goals. Group meets once a week for 1.5 hours Borinquen Welcomes Dr. Lucila Moreira ~by Susan Alvarez Borinquen would like to introduce and welcome Dr. Lucila Moreira, the newest addition to our Pediatrics’ Department. Originally from The Bronx, New York, Dr. Moreira attended medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She returned to New York City where she completed her pediatrics residency training at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Moreira explains that for the past several years while working in a major metropolitan hospital, her focus was on providing quality and accessible medical care to her pediatric patients in the South Bronx, before relocating to Miami Beach, Florida three years ago. She enjoys traveling, dancing, and playing soccer with her 1 and 3 year old sons. Her husband is also a physician in adult critical care medicine at Kendall Regional Medical Center. Dr. Moreira says, “I am so excited to join Borinquen at the end of January 2015 and look forward to helping and caring for the children of this community.” Borinquen is also excited to have Dr. Moreira with such a wealth of experience, join our Pediatrics’ Department and we are eager to introduce the new doctor to our patients. REACH OUT! Yes, you can now reach out and get your message in front of thousands of people in our local community every month! If you would like to advertise in Borinquen’s The Voice of the Caribbean, please call: 305-576-6611 or email: [email protected] 3 4 5 EATING DISORDERS! Every year, a week is set aside towards the end of February so that we can come together as a nation to help draw attention and bring awareness to Eating Disorders. Anorexia, bulimia and even binge eating, are not just bad eating habits, but fall under the category of Eating Disorders and can be life-threatening. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, in some cases these disorders are also complicated by other serious emotional and physical problems as well. The Association urges everyone to join in on the conversation. As we all know, through understanding and discussions, we help those that are struggling with these disorders. The disorders are prevalent in more women than men and typically start around the teenage years. When I mentioned to friends and co-workers that Eating Disorders Awareness Week was coming up and I was writing a piece on it, just about everyone had a story to share. It’s safe to say that with many of us, this subject strikes a chord and not always necessarily in the most positive way. Some of us do not have the fondest of memories growing up in our own bodies. Personally, I was teased mercifully because I was so skinny. I can’t be 100% sure that it didn’t adversely affect the way I ate for many years thereafter. It was extremely unhealthy as I would just grab a quick hotdog or whatever I could get on the go and only when I felt I dizzy and ready to black out. Image courtesy Witthaya Phonsawat FreeDigitalPhotos.net Sometimes I would hold on to something so as not to fall and when the “spell” stopped, I kept going on with what I was doing. I was always getting sick. So, with that in mind, I also took to facebook and asked friends for their thoughts, what they might know about eating disorders and to post some of their outrages quotes about body image or diets. While some did openly, other sent private messages, text and even pulled me aside to share their stories. The responses were varied and ran the gamut from scary serious to hilariously funny. Although some chose to broach the question with humor and others criticized them for making light of such a serious subject matter, I feel anyway to get people talking about the disorder is a good thing because that was the whole point of the exercise, to have a conversation about, and draw attention to Eating Disorders, Body Image and Extreme Diets. “Totally extreme and I consider that to be a mental issue if u r hurting your body for an unattainable aesthetic standard. Where is the line? What is the point?” AS Growing up we all teased and got teased. It’s a fact of life. Many of us are able to ignore these negative insults and move on. However, it’s never as simple as that for everyone. Many of us can sympathized, or at least empathized with young people coming up today, because it can’t be any easier for them when there is so much media bombarding us with what the perfect body should look like even to the extreme as “photoshopping” a women’s head to be bigger than her hips in trying to create what they think a perfect body should look like. “Perfect size? There is none! It turns into an endless journey of attaining a goal that isn't even real.” AS I just wanted to share. It's just my journey. I'm sorry you went through what you had to go through in your journey. It's why we have a long way to go, as women, to understand how we are all so different and how it's ok. But as long as we are held to someone else's standard of what beauty is, there are going to be women (and men) who will make unhealthy eating choices and take risks when it comes to their health. AS “I just want to say first and foremost that I don't approve these tactics and would much have preferred a healthier lifestyle. In the past, when I was a boxer and Jujitsu fighter, while in training and preparing for a match, for 2 weeks before the fight, I would eat only can tuna, spinach & lettuce to lose 10 to 12 pounds to be the right weight for the fight. If I still wasn't there I would run around the block, spiting & sweating to lose as much weight as possible. This was not at all healthy and it did cause me to become so weak I couldn't fight. I want to stress, I do not approve of this type of dieting and it was not at all the best way to win a fight given that by body was so weak during one of the matches that I could barely lift my arms.” Barbara K “Eating disorders are real, treatable medical illnesses. They frequently coexist with other illnesses such as depression, substance abuse, or anxiety disorders. Other symptoms can become life-threatening if a person does not receive treatment, which is reflected by anorexia being associated with the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder.” http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders-new-trifold/index.shtml Silvana Vasquez, Eating Disorder Awareness Week Interview Client Working on Weight Loss Q: How long have you been trying to diet? A: 2-3 years Q: Are you comfortable with telling us your current weight? A: Yes, I weigh 180 pounds Q: What is the most you have ever weighed? A: 208 pounds Q: What is the most weight you have ever lost on a diet? A: 3 to 6 pounds Q: What was the most weight you gained back after the diet? A: 2 or 3 pounds Q: What have been the most extreme methods of exercise or diet to lose weight? A: I have an issue with the eating, but I am very OK with doing the exercises. I am very picky. I do not like much of the healthy foods which is my biggest problem. I do >>p 7 SOUTH FLORIDA REGION (Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward) May 1-3, 2015 WELCOME TO STAND DOWN…During the three-day event, The Robert King High Park, located at 7025 West Flagler, Miami FL will take on a military atmosphere as tents and cots are set up for homeless veterans who will live and sleep on the property through the weekend. The term “Stand Down” was used in the military, during times of war, to remove exhausted combat units requiring time to rest and recover from the battlefields to a place of relative security and safety. Today, Stand Down refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nation’s estimated 67,000 homeless veterans “combat” life on the streets. HOMELESS VETERANS… America’s homeless veterans have served in every war since World War II. In addition to the complex set of factors affecting all homeless individuals… job layoffs, substance abuse, a shortage of affordable housing and lack of access to healthcare, homeless and at-risk veterans often live with the effects of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These hardships, often compounded by a loss of family and social support networks, make the issue of homelessness a difficult social challenge. HELP IS HERE… Veterans and their families who are living on the streets or who do not have permanent housing will get free access to: •Three nights of sleeping accommodations •Bus passes •Four days of hot meals •Hot showers & clean clothes •Haircuts for men and hair treatments for women •Dental examinations •Medical examinations •Infectious diseases screenings/testing •Vision examinations •Hearing and Glucose testing •AA/NA/ALANON Meetings •PTSD & TBI Counseling and information •Housing Voucher Applications, counseling and services •Veterans and Children day and evening Entertainment •Animal Shelter/care/adoptions •Job and Employment applications/Counseling/ Resume writing •VA Disability Claims processing •Military personnel records checks and replacement application •Legal counseling and/or Stand Down Court (sign up by 04/24/2015) •State Photo Identification cards (Need Birth Certificate and SS Card) •Social Security Benefits (Food Stamps, SSI and Disability) processing •Medicaid Applications •Birth Certificates ordered •GED enrollment •Pet Therapy •Women and Children Services and Information •Voter Registration STAND UP FOR STAND DOWN… Stand Down is a time for the community to connect with our Homeless veterans and to begin to break down the barriers that are keeping these heroes on the Streets. The “hand up, not hand out” philosophy of Stand Down requires the work of countless Volunteers, business and local, state and national organizations. HOW CAN YOU HELP? •Sponsor one of the many military tents •Volunteer your services: barbers and stylist, set-up and tear-down assistance. Food services, Veteran escort, and tent leaders are just a few of the needs at Stand Down •Volunteer Items: food, clothing, back packs, blankets, towels, and comfort items, are all required to make this a successful event •Make a Tax Exempt Donation to the Florida Veterans Foundation: For “SoFloHomeless Stand Down” go to the following website: http:// www.floridaveteransfoundation.org/south-florida-homeless-veterans-stand-down-2 For more information contact: LtColTony ColmenaresUSMC (Ret) Ph: 305-984-7849 Email: [email protected] 6 AWARENESS ~by Susan Alvarez FREE IS GOOD! Those of us who are still on that healthy journey, you remember that whole New Year’s resolution thing where we resolved to lose weight, eat healthier, (or at least better), be kinder to animals and little kids, enjoy life etc., our enthusiasm is paying off. We are already three months into the New Year and if you made it this far in, you can pat yourself on the back because you are probably already seeing the fruits of your labor (pun intended) results. And, for the really good news, know that statistics show/say that you will be less likely to quit now! According to WebMD, you fall into the 64 percentile of people who are still sticking to their resolutions by the end of January. All the experts agree; you must have a plan of action so that your new routine becomes a ritual and life changing practices not just a flash in the pan (really bad pun intended). We hear from many women (and a few men), that staying the course and trying to find new, interesting ways to eat healthy and work out is challenging to say the least. We would like to see you succeed, which is why we do some of the work for you by different than the end. In the beginning some people are a little shy. By the end, everyone’s Ohming is always together and sealing the practice with Ohm.” Thank you Anamargret for demystifying and answering some of the questions we had about the practice of Yoga. Anamargret Sanchez is the founder and director of the Daily Offering Yoga Studio, located at 6901 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138. For more information, please call: 305.456.6406, or you can email: [email protected]. Anamargret also teaches a FREE multi-generational class on Saturday mornings under the oak trees at Legion Park. More FREE all levels, Yoga classes: at Bayfront Park: Mon & Wed at 6pm, Sat at 9am www.bayfrontparkmiami.com The Green Monkey studio offers FREE power Yoga classes at two different locations in Miami Beach: Mon & Wed at 6pm in South Beach, at Collins Park, Bass Museum of Art, 2100 Collins Avenue, and in North Beach, at the North Shore Park Bandshell, 7275 Collins Avenue. Margaret Pace Park offers Yoga classes on Mon and Wed 7pm, Sat at 9:30am at located at 1745 N. Bayshore Drive. If you are an early bird and prefer to practice at the crack of dawn, there are donation based classes held at 7am, 5pm and 6pm, Mon – Sun (yes, that’s 7 days) on Third Street, Miami Beach Please bring your own mat, water and towel. You will be asked to sign a waiver. This is a pretty extensive list, but not complete and pending the weather if the class is canceled. It might be a good idea to confirm before heading out to make sure the class is still scheduled for that day. References: Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle; University of Illinois; University of California; Yoga Journal, 2012 study. discovering some of the newest, healthiest recipes, and fun activities for you (and your family) to try so that we can help you along your journey to your good health. Every month, as part of our plan to help keep us all on track, we try to find different fun activities and delicious foods to incorporate into our busy lifestyle. This month check out what’s cooking from Borinquen’s Registered Dietician and Nutritionist, Silvana Vasquez, the latest healthy recipe for Salmon Cakes on page 13. And, what’s with all the exercise equipment in Miami-Dade parks? Well the equipment is installed there for YOUR use and the best part is, that it’s FREE for you to use. There’s no need to sign up with a costly gym when you can just walk across the street or down a few blocks to your closest county park’s ‘Fitness Zones’ area to take advantage of this fun activity with your family. Our City wants us to be fit! Are you one in twenty million practicing YOGA? There are many benefits to practicing Yoga, which includes stronger and increased muscle flexibility; stress reduction; increased lung capacity; may lower blood pressure; increased oxygen levels to the body and brain; improve brain function; can help with weigh loss; and so much more. Although Yoga is an ancient practice, it’s relatively new to America as it was only just introduced in 1893 and started its climb to acceptance in the early 1950’s. There are now over 20 million people practicing YOGA in one form or another! Did you ever wonder why we do some of the poses in yoga where it looks like not much is happening? The one that comes to mind is Child’s pose. I asked Yogi, Anamargaret, from the Daily Offering Studio, if she wouldn’t mind explaining what some of the Yoga poses are all about and why we do them. Here is what she had to say, “Child’s pose, in Sanskrit is called Bālāsana. It’s considered a resting pose in yoga, but technically it is a forward bend and a great stretch for your back because your belly is resting on your thighs, it massages the organs so it’s really great for digestion. I always offer it to the class when people need a break, to come down to Child’s Pose because it’s the most restful one out of all the forward bends. Downward dog (another forward bend) is not always relaxing for people especially in the beginning.” She goes on to explain the benefits of the ‘Locust’ pose, “Locust is a back bend. In Sanskrit it’s called Salabhasana. Because all backbends on the belly are also great for stimulating something called ‘Ogni’ which is our fire element that resides in the belly right behind our navels. It fires up our digestion not just physically, but mentally and emotionally in our life experiences. It also helps to strengthen the back so that we can sit up and stand up much taller. It’s also a strengthening pose.” Another question I always wanted to ask was why we do the ‘Ohms’? “Oh, the Ohms, my gosh, we can do a whole workshop on just the Ohms!” exclaimed Anamargret. “Ohm is a vibration that they say vibrates though the whole universe. If we just got quiet enough, it is said to contain all sounds within it, from the very beginning, the very first sounds that we could make which is ‘Oh’ and the last sound which is ‘m’ and when we put an Oh with an ‘mm’ together comes out with the sound of Ohm.” Ana Margaret goes on to say, “We do it in the beginning of class because it’s a way of connecting the whole class through the vibrations. The Ohm in the beginning of class is always very EATING DISORDER! from p6 not eat seafood, greens or veggies, so I just try to eat the same type of things. I do like eating, but eating the same foods can be so boring so I just wind up going back to my old habits. Q: Do you have any advice with those struggling with their weight? A: People who want to lose weight should start by making small healthy changes and should make small goals to become healthier overall. Eating Disorder Awareness Week ~ Anna Smith I think it is important to remember that there are many individuals who suffer from eating disorders or other body image issue who are not aware that they even have a problem. I say this from my own personal experience. As a teenager and during my early years of college, I had an eating disorder. At my thinnest, I was 5’ 8 ½” and weighed maybe 110 pounds. I had major self-esteem and image issues and directly linked my self-worth to my actual weight. The idea of ever being “fat” was horrifying to me. As a result I seriously curtailed what I ate which resulted in me consuming as little as one meal or some snacks throughout the day. I made it a point however, to eat in front of others as to look “normal.” What I would eat was never healthy and really in the big scope of things wasn’t enough (that half of a double cheeseburger I ate for lunch with my friend while adamantly declaring I would finish it later was often times my meal for the day). While I somewhat suspected that I had some serious problems (I was constantly checking to make sure I looked slim and good in the mirror), I still told myself and others that I was perfectly healthy and fine. When people did question or comment upon my physique, I gave them the answer that you hear all too often from very thin models; “I was born this way! I eat junk food all the time. My metabolism is just super-fast…” However, my actual health was a different story. I was sick all the time. I constantly had every cold, every virus and even wound up in the ER and Urgent care multiple times in less than a year for Staph MRSA and other infections. It felt like I was sick more often than not and I all around just felt lousy. It took the help of my boyfriend to realize that my weight wasn’t what made me beautiful and the concern of family members for me to acknowledge I had a problem. Once I did gain weight, I noticed that I was no longer sick every other week and that I genuinely felt better. I want to remind people that unless you truly believe that a friend or family member’s health is suffering from their weight, please keep your comments to yourself. The most painful part of this entire journey was that when I was actually healthy and feeling good, some people took it upon themselves to update me every time they noticed I gained a pound or two with hurtful comments or blunt remarks. Others who have known me for a while would mention how thin and pretty I used to be thus implying that I was no longer beautiful. Not knowing my history or my struggle, they did not understand the psychological damage this inflicted and continues to inflict upon me. Did we open up a can of worms? Well, at least we started the conversation which is the whole reason and the mission for setting aside the week, to draw awareness to Eating Disorders. Borinquen has Licensed Mental Health Counselors and Substance Abuse Counselors to help you or someone you know that is struggling with disorders and would like to speak with a counselor, please call, the Behavioral Health Resource Center, (305)576-1599, located at: 100 NE 38th Street, #5 Miami FL 33137. Sources/ References: www.nationaleatingdisorders.org; www.cdc.gov 7 8 AROUND THE ~by Susan Alvarez CORNER: ART FREE IS GOOD! Tropical Park is located at 7900 SW 40 St., Miami. Please be advised that Noches Tropicales concert performers are subject to change. In the event of rain, concerts may be cancelled. For more information on Noches Tropicales call Vivian Greer Digon at 305-271-0812. WHY WE WALK... With so many fun, exciting and FREE events happening in the area, you really just want to hang around the neighborhood and maybe explore something new. Check out some of these family friendly, fun things to do on the weekends. The Little Haiti Cultural Complex, in partnership with the BASS Museum holds FREE ART & LITERACY CLASSES Saturdays from 12:30 to 2pm . Every Saturday, families and their children will read an exciting story and create fun art projects lead by Lela Lombardo. Families get to keep the books so they may build their child’s home library. The Center will give out free raffle tickets every Saturday and families that attend regularly are entered to win an art basket filled with awesome art supplies and books. For more info contact Mariana Carbaian 786-362-2506 [email protected] Have you heard? There is a new place to shop in town for your fresh fruits and veggies! The Caribbean Market Place - Chef Creole - Urban Oasis Farmer’s Market - Miami's DJ Big Ben - BOGO Happy Hour 5pm - 8pm. The Caribbean Market Place Exudes GOOD LIFE & GOOD VIBES! Join them every Thursday through Saturday from 9:30am to 8pm, and Sundays from 9:30am to 6pm. Admission is FREE! CALL FOR VENDORS Be a part of a cultural space, a cultural movement. Move to an Afro-Caribbean beat. Showcase your talents & sell your products to a diverse audience & international tourists. Be a part of the SPICE that makes Miami, SO Miami! Become a vendor at the Caribbean Market Place. Please send email to lhcc@miami gov.com for more information. As part of the Black History Month celebrations, be sure to visit LHCC’s art gallery for a special show, ‘I AM A MAN.’ An exhibition featuring the work of Miami-based photojournalists and muralists depicting Black civil protest in the United States from 1960 - 2015, presented by The City of Miami, Little Haiti Cultural Complex, Miami Herald, Iris Photo Collective, Tradisyon Lakou Lakay & Future Roots Collective. The exhibit is FREE and runs through March 31st. Big Night Little Haiti (BNLH) FREE every third Friday of the month, from 6pm to 10pm, enjoy a night of music, art, food, culture and fun, produced by The Rhythm Foundation and Little Haiti Cultural Complex. Zing Experience on the main stage. Opening set, Saskya Sky FREE Admission and BNLH AFTER PARTY @ Caribbean Market Place, 10pm Don’t Miss It! Miami-Dade County Parks and Target Present a Free Noches Tropicales Concert! And, this next event is a bit of a stretch, as far as the local neighborhood is concerned, but looks like one party not to be missed. Mark your calendar for the 2014-2015 Noches Tropicales season finale concert at Tropical Park, sponsored by Target: Friday, March 20, 2015, 8pm – An “ALL STARS” Concert featuring the Grammy Award-winning Edwin Bonilla, the legendary Andy Harlow, American Grammy winner Marlow Rosado, Daniel Berroa, Robert Heredia, Pete Francis, Rainier Guerra, Lucy Grau, Elaine Hernandez, Willie Panama, Javier Merino, Jr., and El Jibarito, with musical director Kiki Sanchez. BE PART OF THE CAUSE! Registration, opening ceremonies and the Post-Walk event will be held directly at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens located on 2000 Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach. The walk will be held Sunday, April 26th, 2015. Save the date, visit www.aidswalkmiami.org and start a team, join an existing team, join as an individual participant, register multiple people or give a general donation today! For additional information, please contact us at 305-751-WALK (9255) or by email at [email protected]. Life is Art Celebrates Six Years! Life is Art celebrated its sixth years of supporting arts and community anniversary with a wonderful evening of music, art, dance, performance, sips & bites, good vibes and good company. The lovely affair took place on Saturday, January 31 st inside the Hotel Astor, downstairs in their newly renovated Social Club. “Hotel Astor is delighted to support Life is Art for its 6th Anniversary,” says Glenn Valencia, the hotel manager. Valencia went on to say, “The hotel, as part of its cultural program; will be exposing to the local art community its recently opened Speakeasy called The Astor Social Club, hidden in the basement of the hotel with its entrance on 10th Street.” James Echols, co-founder of Life Is Art said, “We are very excited to be working with an iconic hotel like Hotel Astor and they have been wonderful to us.” For its commitment to making Miami a better place to live, work and love, Life is Art was presented with a Proclamation by the City of Miami Beach. Live music was provided by: Bows & Ties – Montserrat Franco, special performance by Jane “Jei” Castro, and DJ Hank Justice. There was live painting by: Ileana Collazo – Aquarela Sabol – TeePop – Nicole Salga. The Fantastical Creatures were by Kikimora Studio, Dance Duet by Amy San Pedro & Meredith Barton. The From l to r: Miami Beach Commissioner, Joy complimentary libations were Malakoff, James Echols and Annette Peikert provided by Blue Nectar Tequila Photo credit: Anthony Jordon and Cuisine Tastings. Freshly Squeezed provided free Mini Massages and the live written poetry was by Oscar Fuentes, the Biscayne Poet. Like Us On facebook! Did you know Borinquen has a Facebook page? Check it out, like us on Facebook, and spread the word about BMC! www.facebook.com/ BorinquenMedicalCentersOfMiamiDade 9 Lunch & Learn ~by Angel Camacho, Prevention Case Manager with Susan Alvarez The popular and extremely informative Lunch & Learn Series continues with knowledgeable speakers and vital information for your well-being. Here is the latest schedule for the series through April 2015: Thursday, February 19th, 2015 - Location :100 NE 38th Street, Time: 12pm-1pm. Core Topic is “The Importance of Adherence” presented in English by Donna Sabatino, RN, ACRN, and Community Liaison Manager from Janssen Therapeutics. The subject matter cannot be stressed enough. Patients who are adherent to their HIV medications can live a much more healthy lifestyle while achieving and maintaining lower *Viral Load (VL) and higher CD4 cell counts. They are also more likely to prevent opportunistic infections. THE NUMBERS Medication prescriptions never filled: 20% to 30% Medication not continued as prescribed in about 50% of cases The World Health Organization estimated that by 2020, the number of Americans affected by at least one chronic condition requiring medication therapy will grow to 157 million Sources: http://scriptyourfuture.org/wp http://scriptyourfuture.org/wp--content/themes/cons/m/release.pdf ; Osterberg 2005, NEJM; Ho 2009, Circulation What is Medication Adherence? Medication Adherence: The patient’s conformance with the provider’s recommendation with respect to timing, dosage, and frequency of medication taking during the prescribed length of time. Compliance: Patient’s passive following of provider’s orders. Persistence: Duration of time patient takes medication, from initiation to discontinuation of therapy. Source: http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/ehc/prod Thursday, March 19th , 2015 - Presented by Jose Cosia GILEAD Location :100 NE 38th Street, Time: 12pm-1pm, (Core Topic to be announced) Thursday, April 16th, 2015 - Presented by Donna Sabatino JANSSEN Location :100 NE 38th Street, Time: 12pm-1pm, (Core Topic to be announced) If you're interested in attending any of the Lunch and Learn presentations, please speak with your case manager for all the details on how to “RSVP.” For information and to reserve your seat, please call: 305-576-6611 Ext. 1711 or Email: [email protected] Because of the construction at the various Borinquen locations, it is strongly recommended that you call to confirm the location for the series you are planning on attending. 10 SAVE THE DATE! ~by Angel Camacho, Prevention Case Manager, with Susan Alvarez Save the date for the 7th Annual Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade. This year’s Grand Marshall is Mario Lopez. Miami Beach Gay Pride brings together members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, their friends, allies, and supporters in celebration of the unique spirit and culture of the LGBT community. This event was established by former Miami Beach Mayor, Matti Bower, as an initiative of the Miami Beach Gay Business Development Council. For more info, please visit their website: www.miamibeachgaypride.com/ #TeamBorinquen Disclaimer: The articles in this newspaper are provided for, and contain general information about various health care topics. The information may not be complete or comprehensive. You should not rely on the information in this newspaper as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or healthcare provider. Nothing contained in this newspaper should be construed nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Should you have any healthcare related questions, please call or see your physician or other qualified healthcare provider promptly. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet or fitness program. 11 BORINQUEN’S MAIN SITE RENOVATIONS AND DEPARTMENTS MOVE UPDATES! The PAC Waiver Case Management and Ryan White Medical Case Management Teams have now moved into the Regions building located at 3550 Biscayne Blvd., 33137 Suite #508. The following is contact information: BMC Specialty Center: 305-576-1675 Front Desk Reception: x3212 Ryan White Medical Case Managers: Rosemonde Francis/Case Management Supervisor: x1331 Aline Pierre Jean/Case Manager: x1706 Angel Camacho/ Prevention Case Manager : x3319 Cary Romeo/Peer Educator: x1711 Jasaline Perez/Case Manager: x1709 Marie Fleurimond/Case Manager: x1708 Oscar Galeano/Case Manager: x3316 Rhonda Wright/Case Manager: x1707 Pac Waiver Department Phone Number: 786-507-0907 Diana Ramirez: Option 1 Carlos Garcia: Option 2 Rose Louis: Option 3 Armides Pena/PAC Waiver Supervisor: Option 4 Mayte Su-Lanza: Option 5 Borinquen Medical Centers Main Phone Number: 305-576-6611 Armides Pena/PAC Waiver Supervisor: Ext. 1701 Diana Ramirez: Ext. 1702 Mayte Su-Lanza: Ext. 1703 Carlos Garcia: Ext. 1704 Rose Louis: Ext. 1705 In the event that you cannot get in contact with a case manager, please contact either Rosemonde Francis (Ryan White Medical Case Management Coordinator/Supervisor) or Armides Pena (PAC Waiver Case Management Supervisor). Eligibility Services is located on the 3rd floor, Main site lobby. Outreach HIV/STD testing is on the 1st floor, Main site, next to the lab. The OB/GYN Department & Sonograms along with Internal Medicine are located on the 5th floor of the Main site. We have a patient guide greeting you as you step off of the elevator, who will help and direct you to the right location and department. Radiology is now OPEN back on the 3rd floor. TOPWA & Nutrition Counseling is now on the 4th floor Main site. BMC main site is located at 3601 Federal Highway, Miami FL 33137 WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY CAUSE. CALL US AT 305.576.6611 WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS! 12 Borinquen Construction Update ~by Susan Alvarez Facilities-Renovations- Phase II-Status Update/Progress. While our renovations have been substantial in scale and involved significant adjustments on behalf of everyone, including our community, we believe it has been well worth it. If all of the positive comments we’ve been hearing about how beautiful and welcoming our new spaces are any indication, we are thankful to have been able to continue our work around all the improvements. Borinquen can’t thank you enough for being patient with us as we round the corner to the finish line. We urge you to please continue to be on the lookout for signs posted throughout the building and in the elevators as they are always changing to reflect the latest updates. Construction on the Main Site is starting to resemble the modern up to date health care facility we envisioned when we embarked on this Journey. Everyone involved from BMC staff to construction crews and county officials are working together to improve the quality of life in our community. Here are the newest updates: Construction on the 1st floor is now in full progress and scheduled to be completed within the next 6 weeks. Construction on the 2nd floor has begun and is closed until further notice. The Dental Department is back on the 5th floor seeing patients again as renovations are completed. The BMC Administration offices are back on the 6th floor. Please know that while the Mid-Town construction continues, our Behavioral Health and Specialty Clinics, located on NE 38th Street will remain open and will continue to operate and provide services to the community. 13 14 15 BORINQUEN MEDICAL CENTERS OF MIAMI-DADE LOCATIONS Borinquen Medical Centers of Miami-Dade (Emilio Lopez Pavilion) 3601 Federal Highway Miami, FL 33137 Tel: (305) 576-6611 Fax: (786) 476-2819 Borinquen Medical Centers of Miami-Dade (West-Dade/Sweetwater Center) 10528 SW 8th Street Miami, FL 33174 Tel: (305) 552-1201 Fax: (786) 476-2809 Borinquen Behavioral Health Resource Center 100 NE 38th Street, Suite # 5 Miami, FL 33137 Tel: (305) 576-1599 Fax: (786) 476-2813 Wellness and Specialty Care Center at Borinquen 100 NE 38th Street, Suite # 3 Miami, FL 33137 Tel: (305) 576-1675 Fax: (786) 476-2812 Carrie Meek Clinic Villa Patricia Towers 7801 NE 2nd Avenue Miami, FL 33138 Tel: (786) 235-7020 Fax: (786) 476-2810 Borinquen North Miami Medical Center 708 NE 125th Street North Miami, FL 33161 Tel: (786) 433-8815 Fax: (786) 476-2811 Borinquen Drop-In Education and Access Center 12603 N.E. 7th Ave North Miami, FL 33161 Tel: (786) 476-1005 / Fax: (786) 476-2821 Borinquen Medical Centers at Flagami 5040 NW 7th Street Miami, FL 33126 Tel: (305) 438-2348 Fax: (786) 476-2822 We also provide Medical Services in Little Haiti and at The Village. Borinquen Mobile Coach Unit Outreach and various Medical Services. We offer a Sliding Fee Discount Program for the uninsured. We also accept most Insurance Plans, Medicaid and Medicare. Be sure to visit our Luis Beltran Dental Clinic Located on the 5th floor of the Borinquen Medical Centers of Miami-Dade Emilio Lopez Pavilion 3601 Federal Highway Miami, FL 33137 Tel: (305) 576-6611, extension 1506 Fax: (786) 476-2818 www.BorinquenHealth.org BORINQUEN’S HEROES OF THE MONTH CONGRATULATIONS! Dr. Jesus Negrette Pediatrician “Dr. Negrette is repeatedly recognized by patients and families; He is a GREAT co-worker who exceeds job responsibilities and serves as role model; his positive attitude and professionalism is reflected as he frequently goes beyond office hours to complete all his duties and is always helpful to others; he is excellent with patients, families and the staff. Teresa L. Mazard Mazard--Diaz Human Resources Coordinator Teresa presents a positive attitude to all even as we go through a major peak in hiring; she always has a smile that lightens up the room; she is a GREAT co-worker, friendly, and understanding of the many issues employees go through; Teresa is always respectful and does her best to meet the needs of the many who come to her; she goes beyond her professional role to add a personal touch when she meets with you one on one Thank you both for a job well done! ~The Borinquen Team REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS Please bring all of these items to Registration, as applicable: For children under 18 years of age: Their birth certificate and parent’s Government-issued photo ID. Social Security Card or Government-issued photo ID. Address verification (only one): Rent receipt, light bill, telephone bill, voter’s, Government issued photo ID, registration card, driver’s license For Sliding Fee Discount Program, Income Verification Documents are Required: 3 paycheck stubs, or Government issued program (such as: Wic, food stamp, etc.) income tax return, verification of unemployment, notarized self employment letter.
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Medical Centers - Borinquen Medical Centers of Miami-Dade
our Patient Services Department at (305) 576-6611 to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members about any questions you may have. Borinquen Medical Centers look forward to continuing to prov...
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